By Bonnie Lynn Ellison

May is a good time to reflect on myself, and what my younger self would be proud of. When I was young, I thought life was a rodeo! I competed in the National Little Britches Rodeo from 8 to 18 years old, and was proud of my ribbons, buckles, and trophies! I learned, if you got thrown off, you got back on the horse!

When I was young, I also played my guitar and sang in talent shows, from 7th grade through high school. In college, I performed with the FAB Company. We toured nationally in the early 1970’s, recorded four albums, and were contracted with the major international talent agency, William Morris. I’m proud that we wrote our own original music, songs, and comedy. We did concerts! I thought I was Taylor Swift!

I fell in love, got married, and two years later, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was 25. It affected me like a stroke, on the right side of my body. I had never heard of this disease, so it was like an old rodeo injury to me. It took about three years to recover enough to write, sing, and perform again. And there were no assurances that it wouldn’t return. I had always been athletic and healthy. It was shocking for me, and a struggle.

Then I was blessed with my baby girl, the love of my life! At that time, pregnancy was questionable for MS patient’s health, but all was good!

Years later, I self-published my paperback book, MS ENTERTAINER, about my first year with MS. The FAB Company released a music album to accompany the book, by the same name, MS ENTERTAINER. Now we have five albums, and one of my original songs was even featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon!

Meanwhile, I taught school and ended up substituting for 30 years. That was an accomplishment! Now, I’m retired. I exercise, I go to the library, I go to church, I sing, I believe! And I perform with the Bluegrass group, “Retro Grass”. I think I’m the oldest at 76!

I just got back from a fabulous trip to Walt Disney World in Florida with my daughter, and my grandchildren. They’re dancers! While at Disney, I discovered that wheelchairs are wonderful for long distance travel!

I’ve had multiple sclerosis for over 50 years, starting before shots and infusions were offered. I’ve been through multiple ups and downs. I’m so thankful for my recovery! I am grateful for a wonderful life, and hope that my book and our music will inspire hope for millions who are facing this unpredictable disease.

My greatest gift is my daughter. After battling cancer, she is now the Charter School Teacher of the Year! She is my inspiration! I am so proud of my daughter!

Life is a rodeo… I think my younger self would be proud of both of us. . . for what we’ve been through and for never giving up!

Bonnie Lynne Ellison is an award-winning musician, vocalist, songwriter and teacher who has appeared on television and radio, in movies, and on the stage. She is a published writer, poet, entertainer, and multiple sclerosis patient. She is the author of the MS series, MS ENTERTAINER, published in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Northern Chapter in Fort Collins, Colorado. This is a patient’s perspective of the disease, an excerpt from her book.